Sutra Dance Theatre was founded in 1983 by Ramli Ibrahim to explore, promote awareness and develop traditional and contemporary performing arts in Malaysia through the creation of original works. Accomplished in ballet, modern and Indian classical dance, Ramli has performed internationally for three decades. As Artistic Director of Sutra Dance Theatre, Ramli has choreographed many new works and nutured Malaysian dance talent. He is instrumental in transforming the dance scene in Malaysia and establishing Odissi as a widely appreciated dance form. He has steered a successful International Odissi festival. The Company has traveled extensively internationally.

30th Annual Downtown Dance Festival August 13-20, 2011, sponsored and organized by the Battery Dance Company. The festival is one of the highlights of the NYC summer dance season in which various U.S. and international dance groups present free outdoor dance performances in lower Manhattan at Battery Park and One New York Plaza.

The Battery Dance Company was founded in 1976 in lower Manhattan and celebrates its 35th anniversary, The Company continues its mission of enriching the culture of New York and serving as ambassadors of cultural enlightenment worldwide. In addition to its performance schedule, Battery Dance Company dancers reach out to schools and other organizations in efforts to showcase dance to many New Yorkers and those overseas. The Battery Dance Company organizes and hosts the Downtown Dance Festival and has presented over 100 dance companies in its 30 years of sponsoring the festival.